Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Side by side; close together and in parallel alignment: Used to describe things or people positioned next to each other, often for comparison or joint action.
   • Close aboard a ship: In nautical contexts, it means positioned close to the side of a ship.

2. Preposition:

   • Close to the side of; next to: Indicates physical proximity, often in a parallel line.
   • At the same time as; in conjunction with: Used figuratively to indicate things happening or existing simultaneously.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • The two ships sailed alongside for several miles.
  • The old and new models were displayed alongside for comparison.

• Preposition:

  • Park your car alongside the curb.
  • She worked alongside experts in the field.
  • New economic challenges emerged alongside the technological advances.

Advanced Usage

• "to come alongside" (Nautical Phrase): To maneuver a vessel to lie close to the side of another vessel or a pier.

  • The tugboat helped the freighter come alongside the dock.

• "alongside of" (Less common variant, chiefly US): Functionally equivalent to the preposition "alongside."

  • He walked alongside of me. (Note: "alongside" alone is more standard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alongside is a compound word formed from "along" + "side." It functions as both an adverb and a preposition.
• Parallel (adj./n./v.): Similar in meaning regarding things extending in the same direction and equidistant, but not necessarily touching.
  • The road runs parallel to the railway.

Synonyms

• Beside: At the side of; next to.
• Next to: In or into a position immediately adjacent to.
• Aboard (Nautical): On or onto a ship, train, aircraft, or other vehicle. In nautical use, "close aboard" is a synonym for the adverbial sense.

Related Phrases

• Work/operate/function alongside: To work in cooperation or in close association with someone.

  • The two departments must work alongside to achieve the goal.

• Run/lie alongside: To extend or be positioned parallel to something else.

  • A footpath runs alongside the canal.

Related Idioms

• (To be/fight/stand) shoulder to shoulder: This idiom conveys a similar meaning of close cooperation and physical proximity as "alongside" but implies unity of purpose.
  • They stood shoulder to shoulder during the crisis. (Compare: They stood alongside each other during the crisis.)

Adverb

1. side by side
   • anchored close aboard another ship